Ubon ratchathani: The Bhumjaithai Party is urging the Cabinet to provide assistance to refugees affected by the unrest on the Thai-Cambodian border, noting that they have been home for over a week and people still don’t know how they will be treated. Meanwhile, the party’s vote on the 69th budget agenda item will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with the third agenda item awaiting further approval.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Nan Bunthida Somchai, MP for Ubon Ratchathani and spokesperson for the Bhumjaithai Party, announced the meeting results, stating that the Bhumjaithai Party voted to pass the 2026 Budget Bill in the second reading. The bill will be considered section by section, with the majority of committee members’ reasons for budget cuts to various agencies considered. The third reading will be discussed again before the vote on Friday, August 15th.

Ms. Nan also addressed the Cabinet regarding relief measures for the people in the four southern Isan provinces. Although the clashes have calmed down and residents have returned home, the suffering has not ended. Over 200,000 people have been displaced and left without work over the past two to three weeks. They are still awaiting relief measures from the Cabinet, as they currently only see relief measures for the deceased, particularly those whose homes were damaged.

“Questions have arisen from the public about how government agencies will provide assistance. Despite an interview with the Minister of the Interior, which urged the provinces to expedite compliance with regulations, today’s response to government regulations will likely be less swift. There’s a time limit, but this is a special event, not a common occurrence. Therefore, we urge people to avoid negligence. Don’t just look at the paper reports that our people have returned home. Remember, our people are losing income. Upon returning home, they find their homes damaged and their animals injured or killed. They need swift responses. They’ve been home for a week, but lingering questions remain about how they will receive assistance.”

Ms. Nan also asked ministers not to just sit and look at papers and their schedules. She added that if they visit the area, they should listen to the problems that arise. She added that today is not the time to answer questions in a teasing manner.